Explore nature on short trail

A pleasant surprise awaits families across the street from Timpanogos Cave National Monument visitors center in American Fork Canyon.

The American Fork Canyon Nature Trail is a short, easy trail that is wheelchair-accessible. It provides a wonderful recreational learning activity for the entire family. Although the trail can be traveled in minutes, greater opportunities await those who slow down, spend a little time and enjoy the beauty.

To fully experience this trail, you should spend at least 45 minutes hiking it and plan a picnic at the end of your short journey.

A brochure, available at the visitors center across the street, guides you through the paved trail. The information provided for each of the stops helps visitors understand the changes in nature, human impacts on wildlife and how wildlife can impact people. This brochure is great for hikers of all ages, teaching concepts and helping visitors gain a greater appreciation for environmental changes.

Finding the trailhead — To get there, look for the bridge just past highway mile-marker 10 after the pedestrian crossing sign, approximately 2.1 miles from the mouth of the canyon. A sign on the bridge that crosses the American Fork River points to the path, leading to the Swinging Bridge picnic area. Parking is available at the trailhead near Timpanogos Cave National Monument visitors center and along the river beyond the visitors center. Wheelchair access is located at the lower parking lot, approximately 0.25 miles down the canyon.

Trail description — Although the trail is approximately a quarter-mile long, those who spend some time along the trail can easily spend an hour enjoying the hands-on experiences that await you here. Signs along the trail identify stopping points, covered in the free brochures. These are excellent places to listen, touch and smell nature and reflect on the impact man has on his environment.

After crossing the bridge with the sign pointing to the Swinging Bridge picnic area, follow the paved path that switchbacks up the hill. Stone stair steps are also available if you want to take a short cut, but you may miss a stop or two on the trail.

Along the way, look for the unique characteristics of the trees, rocks and plants and try to determine their stories. How did this rock get here, how old is this tree, what changes have occurred here? Reading the brochures along the way can help make the trail come alive and make the journey more memorable.